How humanity got hooked on coffee - Jonathan Morris

Summary

The script narrates the intriguing history of coffee, from its accidental discovery by a goatherd in 850 CE to becoming a global phenomenon. Originating in Ethiopia, coffee spread to the Middle East and Europe, with its popularity growing in coffeehouses and influencing social and intellectual movements. Despite the dark history of exploitation in coffee cultivation, the industry has seen advancements like the espresso machine and ethical certifications. Today, coffee faces challenges from climate change, prompting research into resilient hybrids to secure its future as a beloved daily ritual.

Takeaways

• 🐐 The story of coffee's discovery dates back to 850 CE when a goatherd named Kaldi observed his goats becoming hyperactive after eating coffee berries.
• ☕ The origins of coffee consumption are unclear but started in Ethiopia before the 1400s, where people used coffee in various ways, including as a tea and a snack.
• 🌳 Caffeine in coffee plants may deter herbivores or attract pollinators, which could be why humans began to utilize the plant for its energizing effects.
• 🌍 Coffee spread to the Middle East via trade routes and became particularly popular in the 1450s, with a Sufi leader recommending its use during worship in Yemen.
• ☕️ The Ottoman Empire played a significant role in the evolution of coffee, introducing the practice of roasting and grinding beans for a bolder flavor.
• 🏪 The first coffeehouses emerged in the Ottoman Empire, serving as social hubs where people could enjoy coffee and entertainment.
• 🚫 In 1511, coffee was put on trial in Mecca due to concerns about its intoxicating effects, but scholars eventually deemed it permissible.
• 🌊 Coffee cultivation and trade expanded globally, with Yemen's port of Al-Makha becoming known as Mocha, the origin of the term for a type of coffee.
• 🌳 The introduction of coffee to Europe, particularly in London, led to the establishment of numerous coffeehouses that became centers of social and intellectual life.
• 🔪 The growth of the coffee industry was tied to the exploitation of enslaved or indentured labor in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
• 📈 By the 20th century, Brazil became the dominant exporter of coffee, accounting for over 80% of the world's coffee exports.
• 🛠️ The invention of the espresso machine and industrial roasting equipment in the early 20th century revolutionized coffee production and consumption.
• 🌱 Specialty coffee movements in recent decades have emphasized quality beans and brewing methods, supporting farms in Central America and East Africa.
• 🌍 Climate change poses a significant threat to the coffee industry, with the 'Bean Belt' expected to shrink, prompting research into resilient coffee hybrids.

Q & A

What is the origin of the story about coffee's discovery?

The story of coffee's discovery dates back to around 850 CE when a goatherd named Kaldi observed his goats becoming hyperactive after eating certain berries. He tried the berries himself and experienced the same effect.

Why might coffee plants have evolved to contain caffeine?

Coffee plants may contain caffeine as a defense mechanism to deter herbivores or to attract pollinators, although the exact reason is not specified in the script.

When did people start foraging for wild coffee in Ethiopia?

People began foraging for wild coffee in Ethiopia sometime before the 1400s, using it in various ways such as making tea from its leaves and combining its berries with butter and salt for sustenance.

How did coffee spread to the Middle East?

Coffee spread to the Middle East via trade routes and gained widespread popularity in the 1450s, particularly after a Sufi leader recommended its use during worship in Yemen.

What was the controversy surrounding coffee in the early 16th century?

In 1511, a religious court in Mecca put coffee on trial due to concerns about its influence being intoxicating rather than innocent, questioning whether Muslims should be allowed to drink it.

Why did coffeehouses become popular in the Ottoman Empire?

Coffeehouses became popular as places where people could gather to sip coffee, smoke, and enjoy various forms of entertainment, following the religious court's decision that coffee was permissible to drink.

How did coffee farming and exportation begin in Yemen?

Coffee farming and exportation began in Yemen by the late 1500s, with coffee being exported from the port of Al-Makha, which became known as Mocha in other parts of the world.

When did the first coffeehouses open in Central London?

The first coffeehouses in Central London opened in the 1650s, and by 1663 there were more than 80 coffeehouses in the city.

What was King Charles II's stance on coffeehouses, and why did he attempt to ban them?

King Charles II attempted to ban coffeehouses in 1675, although the script does not provide specific reasons for his stance, it implies that coffeehouses continued to thrive despite this attempt.

How did coffee culture evolve in France during the 1700s?

In France, people began mixing coffee with milk and sugar, and coffeehouses in Paris became hubs for Enlightenment figures like Diderot and Voltaire, who were known for their coffee consumption.

What impact did European empires have on coffee cultivation and the workforce involved?

European empires profited from coffee-growing by establishing enslaved or exploited workforces in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, leading to the displacement of Indigenous populations and environmental damage.

How did the invention of the espresso machine and industrial roasting equipment influence coffee culture?

The invention of the first commercial espresso machine at the Milan World’s Fair in 1906, along with the development of industrial roasting equipment, led to the rise of various coffee brands and the incorporation of coffee breaks in about 60% of US factories by the mid-1950s.

What challenges does the coffee industry face today, and what efforts are being made to address them?

The coffee industry faces challenges such as inhumane working conditions and insufficient compensation for workers, as well as the impact of climate change on the 'Bean Belt'. Efforts to address these issues include ethical certification for coffee production and the development of resilient coffee hybrids.